1. General information
2. Objectives of the intervention
Goals of the intervention
The vegetal system of the Vertical Forest contributes to the construction of a microclimate, produces humidity, absorbs CO2 and dust particles and produces oxygen.
The Vertical Forest increases biodiversity. It promotes the formation of an urban ecosystem where various plant types create a separate vertical environment, but which works within the existing network, able to be inhabited by birds and insects (with an initial estimate of 1,600 specimens of birds and butterflies). In this way, it constitutes a spontaneous factor for repopulating the city’s flora and fauna (3).
The Vertical Forest increases biodiversity. It promotes the formation of an urban ecosystem where various plant types create a separate vertical environment, but which works within the existing network, able to be inhabited by birds and insects (with an initial estimate of 1,600 specimens of birds and butterflies). In this way, it constitutes a spontaneous factor for repopulating the city’s flora and fauna (3).
Quantitative targets
The target was to assure a green surface of over 50% on the floor perimeter. In elevation, the coverage is about 40% (4.242 sqm for tower D and 5.900 sqm for Tower E) based on a calculation method by Green Walls in High Rise Building Technical Guide (Wood, Bahrami and Safarik, 2014) (1).
Monitoring indicators defined
Different monitoring indicators were defined by Giacomello and Valagussa (2015) who analysed the developing and aftermath of the NBS. The first one was focusing on the trees health due to urban air pollution, solar exposition and unusual height. First two years of analysis showed that trees and other plant species were in good health without the need of fertilisation or aggressive pesticides.
Another factor analysed was the energy efficiency of the buildings thanks to the green facades. Giacomello and Valagussa (2015) observed that overall the presence of terraces and trees decreases the amount of solar radiation during the winter season. This provokes higher energy needs. However, during the summer time trees partially block solar radiation, decreasing tenants energy demand.
Another monitoring factor is was the temperature mitigation. As it was possible to observe that registered temperatures over summer are generally lowered thanks to the terraces and trees (1).
Another factor analysed was the energy efficiency of the buildings thanks to the green facades. Giacomello and Valagussa (2015) observed that overall the presence of terraces and trees decreases the amount of solar radiation during the winter season. This provokes higher energy needs. However, during the summer time trees partially block solar radiation, decreasing tenants energy demand.
Another monitoring factor is was the temperature mitigation. As it was possible to observe that registered temperatures over summer are generally lowered thanks to the terraces and trees (1).
Sustainability challenge(s) addressed
Climate change adaptation: What were the goals of the NBS?
Climate change adaptation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
Climate change mitigation: What were the goals of the NBS?
Climate change mitigation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets?
Implementation activities
It took a total of 8 years to implement this NBS (including 3 years of designing phase). Once the structure of the two towers was finished, the tree-planting phase started (JUne-October 2013), in which trees were carried up using a restraint safety system and put in cement containers located in the outer side of cantilevered terraces. The installation of the irrigation system took several months, so for that time period plants were watered manually by staff. In 2014 first potential tenants were visiting the buildings, as the external walls were almost ultimate and some apartments were completed (1).
Type of NBS project
3. NBS domains, ES and scale
4. Governance and financing
5. Innovation
Type of innovation
Please specify technological innovation
It's considered the firts prototype of an urban injection of biodiversity (4).
Novelty level of the innovation
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
The Bosco Verticale in MIlan is the first case of vertical forest. For this reason on November 19th 2014 it was awarded the prize for the world's most innovative highrise building by the International Highrise Award Jury (4).
Replicability/Transferability
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
In Losanna a 117 meter tall tower with very similar features was erected in 2015. China is following the example, project vertical forest towers in the cities of Nanjing, Chongqing, Guizhou, Liuzhou, Shanghai and Shijiazhuang in order to assess its poor air quality issues (9).
